Crabgrass is the bane of a beautiful lawn, an unwelcome guest that spreads rapidly and chokes out your desirable turfgrass. Its coarse, light-green blades form unsightly patches that can quickly overtake a well-manicured yard. Tackling this resilient weed requires a targeted approach, as improper treatment can harm your lawn or prove ineffective against crabgrass’s tenacious nature.
Fortunately, a range of effective solutions exists, from powerful post-emergent herbicides that eliminate existing weeds to strategic pre-emergent controls that stop them before they start. Whether you prefer concentrated formulas for large areas, ready-to-use sprays for spot treatment, or even natural alternatives, there is a product designed for your specific lawn care needs. This guide will help you identify the best crabgrass killer to reclaim your green space.
Our Top Picks for Crabgrass Control
- Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate2
- Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer
- Ortho Weed B Gon Plus Crabgrass Control Concentrate2
- BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer
- Southern Ag Lawn Weed Killer with Trimec
- PBI/GORDON Trimec Lawn Weed Killer
- Prodiamine 65 Wdg Pre-emergent Grass Broadleaf Weeds
- The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent
- Natural Elements Weed Killer | Pet Safe
- Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer
Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate2
A trusted name in lawn care, this Ortho concentrate is formulated to tackle a wide array of broadleaf weeds, including dandelions and clover. Its key advantage is its selective nature; when used as directed, it targets the weeds without harming your established lawn grass. This makes it an excellent choice for general lawn maintenance where crabgrass is part of a larger weed problem.
The formula is designed to kill weeds down to the root, which is essential for preventing quick regrowth. As a concentrate, it offers flexibility, allowing you to mix the amount needed for your specific lawn size, making it a cost-effective option for both small and large yards.
Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer
For those who want to see fast results, Spectracide’s ready-to-use formula is a compelling option. It promises visible effects on unruly weeds in as little as five hours, providing quick gratification. This product is designed to kill weeds, not your lawn, and boasts an impressive list of over 470 types of weeds it can control, including crabgrass, yellow nutsedge, and common broadleaf varieties.
Being a ready-to-use product means there is no mixing required. You simply attach the container to your garden hose and spray, making the application process straightforward and convenient for immediate spot treatment or overall lawn coverage.
Ortho Weed B Gon Plus Crabgrass Control Concentrate2
This product is a specialized version of the classic Weed B Gon, formulated with added power to specifically target crabgrass. It is a post-emergent killer, meaning it is designed to eliminate crabgrass and other listed weeds after they have appeared in your lawn. It is effective against over 200 different weed types, providing broad-spectrum control.
Like its counterpart, it kills weeds down to the root and is safe for use on many types of lawn grasses when applied according to the label instructions. This concentrate is ideal for the homeowner who needs a potent, targeted solution for a crabgrass infestation.
BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer
BioAdvanced offers a comprehensive solution with this all-in-one formula that handles both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass. Its key benefit is the dual-action control in a single product, simplifying your lawn care routine. The concentrate is designed to penetrate and remove tough weeds down to the root, ensuring a more thorough kill.
This product is formulated to be used on lawns without causing harm to the grass, targeting the undesirable plants while preserving the health and appearance of your turf. It is a powerful option for dealing with mixed weed invasions.
Southern Ag Lawn Weed Killer with Trimec
Southern Ag utilizes a patented combination of three proven herbicides, known as a Trimec formula, to control a wide range of lawn weeds. This professional-grade approach is effective on many difficult-to-control weeds and is approved for use on nine different turf types, offering versatility for various lawns.
As a concentrate, it provides significant value and coverage. It is a robust choice for those who have tried other products without success and need a more powerful, multi-ingredient herbicide to achieve a weed-free lawn.
PBI/GORDON Trimec Lawn Weed Killer
Another product featuring the effective Trimec formula, this offering from PBI/Gordon is specifically noted for its ability to kill hard-to-control lawn weeds. It is formulated for use on cool-season grasses, making it an excellent fit for northern lawns with grass types like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue.
This gallon concentrate is a workhorse product, suitable for homeowners who are serious about their lawn care and need a reliable, professional-quality herbicide to maintain their turf’s health and appearance throughout the growing season.
Prodiamine 65 Wdg Pre-emergent Grass Broadleaf Weeds
This product represents a proactive approach to lawn care. Prodiamine is a powerful pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it forms a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds, including crabgrass, from germinating. It will not kill existing weeds but is highly effective at stopping them before they become a visible problem.
This generic version of Barricade is a professional-grade product that controls a long list of grassy and broadleaf weeds. It is ideal for application in early spring before soil temperatures rise enough for crabgrass seeds to sprout.
The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent
For those who prefer a granular weed control product, The Andersons Barricade is a top-tier choice. Like the Prodiamine WDG, it is a pre-emergent that prevents crabgrass and other weeds from emerging. Its key feature is the patented DG Technology, which ensures the granules dissolve rapidly upon watering, moving the active ingredient into the soil quickly for maximum effectiveness.
This product is perfect for homeowners who want to apply weed control with a standard broadcast spreader and achieve professional-level results. It provides long-lasting control for both early spring and fall applications.
Natural Elements Weed Killer
This product is an excellent option for households with children and pets, as it is an all-natural herbicide derived from vinegar. It provides a non-toxic way to manage weeds in garden beds, rock beds, mulched areas, and patios. It is effective on many broadleaf weeds and grasses.
A crucial point to note is that this is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will kill any plant it touches, including lawn grass. Therefore, it should be used for spot treatment in areas where you want to clear all vegetation, not applied across your entire lawn unless your goal is to kill the grass and start over.
Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer
Scotts Halts is a widely recognized granular pre-emergent preventer. It is designed to create a barrier that stops crabgrass and other grassy weeds from sprouting and establishing in your lawn. Applying this product in early spring is a key strategy for a season-long reduction in weed problems.
Easy to apply with a lawn spreader, it is a convenient choice for many homeowners. By preventing crabgrass seeds from germinating, it reduces the need for later treatments with post-emergent herbicides, saving you time and effort during the peak growing season.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Crabgrass Killer
I know how frustrating it is to see crabgrass take over a lawn. You put in all that work, and then these wiry, ugly weeds pop up everywhere. Picking the right product from the shelf can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is matching the product to your specific situation. Let me walk you through what I look for when I need to find one of the 10 best crabgrass killers that work.
First, you need to decide between a pre-emergent and a post-emergent herbicide. This is the most important choice. Pre-emergents are my go-to for prevention. I apply these in the early spring, before the soil temperature consistently hits 55°F. They create a barrier at the soil surface that stops crabgrass seeds from sprouting. If you already see crabgrass in your lawn, it’s too late for a pre-emergent. You’ll need a post-emergent killer. These are designed to attack and kill weeds that are already actively growing.
Next, consider the type of grass you have. Not all lawn grasses react the same way to herbicides. Some products are safe for all grass types, while others can severely damage or kill certain varieties like St. Augustine or Centipede grass. I always check the product label for a list of “safe for” grasses. If you’re not sure what type of grass you have, take a sample to a local garden center for identification. Using the wrong product can be a costly mistake.
The form of the product matters for both effectiveness and ease of use. You’ll find liquid concentrates, ready-to-spray bottles, and granular products. Liquids, which I usually mix in a sprayer, offer more precise application and often work a bit faster. Granular products are easier to apply with a broadcast spreader and are often combined with fertilizer, which is a nice time-saver. Think about the size of your lawn and what equipment you’re comfortable using.
Finally, I always read the active ingredients. For post-emergent control, look for ingredients like Quinclorac, which is excellent at killing crabgrass without harming most cool- and warm-season lawns. DSMA is another common one. For pre-emergents, products containing Pendimethalin or Dithiopyr are very effective. Dithiopyr has the added benefit of being able to kill very young crabgrass, giving you a slightly longer application window. No matter what you choose, always follow the label instructions exactly for the safety of your lawn, yourself, and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to apply a crabgrass killer?
The timing completely depends on the type of product. For pre-emergent herbicides, the goal is to apply before the crabgrass seeds germinate. I aim for early spring, when the soil temperature is consistently around 55°F for a few days. A good sign is when forsythia bushes start to bloom in your area. For post-emergent killers, you apply them when the crabgrass is young and actively growing, typically from late spring into summer. Younger weeds are much easier to kill than mature, established clumps.
Will crabgrass killer also kill my lawn?
It shouldn’t, if you use the correct product. This is why checking the label for your specific grass type is so crucial. Selective herbicides are formulated to target broadleaf weeds or specific grassy weeds like crabgrass while leaving your desired turfgrass unharmed. However, using a non-selective herbicide or using a selective one on a grass type it isn’t safe for will definitely damage your lawn. Always do your homework first to avoid a dead patch of lawn.
How long does it take for a crabgrass killer to work?
Patience is key here. Most post-emergent herbicides don’t work overnight. You’ll typically start to see the crabgrass wilting and changing color within 3 to 7 days. It can take up to 2-3 weeks for the weed to completely die, especially if it’s a larger, more established plant. The weather plays a role too; it works best when the weeds are actively growing and not stressed by extreme heat or drought.
Is it better to use a liquid or granular crabgrass killer?
I’ve used both, and they each have their place. Liquid herbicides are great for spot-treating specific weeds because you can be very precise. They also tend to be absorbed by the weed more quickly. Granular products are fantastic for treating large areas, especially if you’re using a pre-emergent or a weed-and-feed combo. They’re less messy and easier to apply evenly with a spreader. For a full lawn treatment, I often go with granules. For tackling a few scattered patches, I grab my sprayer and a liquid concentrate.
Can I just pull crabgrass out by hand?
You can, and I do this for isolated plants. The trick is to get the entire root system, or it will just grow back. It’s easiest to pull after a rain when the soil is soft. For a large infestation, though, hand-pulling is impractical and often ineffective because you’ll likely leave behind roots and seeds. In that case, using a dedicated product from a list of the 10 best crabgrass killers that work is a more reliable solution for getting your lawn back under control.